Chapter 2 I Must Not Be Hungry Tonight

• Serena’s POV:
• It was a week after the wedding, and another extra week as a maid to Mr. Hayes.
• I jumped off the bed and headed to the window to observe the weather before rubbing my hands over my face. I had a lot to do today, including preparing a fresh meal for Adrian before he left for work.
• I heaved a sigh as I headed to the kitchen, wishing I could get the day off as I had barely had enough sleep the previous night. I reached for a bowl, picked up crops of potatoes, and chopped them into chips after peeling the outer skin.
• In less than an hour, the potato chips, chili sauce, poached eggs, and black tea were served on the dining table.
• Mr. Hayes usually showed up at dining the table every morning by 8 am or 10 minutes earlier, so I presumed he would show up any moment as it was already 7.58 am.
• I felt sick as my head ached at short intervals, but I wouldn’t dare go back to bed. I had to stay around the kitchen until I was certain Mr. Hayes no longer needed my services for the morning.
• At exactly 8 am, I heard the door of his room creak open.
• “Good morning, Mr. Hayes,” I greeted him as usual. “How was the night for you?” I asked and grabbed a jug from the large table. I quickly filled it up with water and dropped it beside the food tray.
• “Do you need something else?” I questioned, watching him taste the black tea I made.
• “No,” he shook his head. “How was the night?”
• “I had a good night's rest,” I lied. “I would love to discuss something with you Sir.” I cleared my throat.
• His gaze met mine. “Can’t it wait till I’m back from work today?” He asked, lifting the tea cup and sipping from it.
• “It’s about my dad.”
• “I didn’t ask you to go ahead Serena, but since you can’t wait for instructions, speak already.
• “He’s asked me to come see him at the hospital, and I would like to get your permission to go today. Can I go there when you’re out for work? I promise I’ll be quick and get back before you return.”
• “Off-work hours were not given to you on weekdays the last time I checked,” he scoffed. “What makes you think I will give you a day off whenever you feel like having one?”
• I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say next.
• “Why do you choose to bother me this peaceful morning? Did you not pay a caregiver to take care of him as I instructed?”
• “I did Sir, but I need to see how he’s faring, he’s my only family and I haven’t seen him for a week now. Our wedding day was supposed to be my off-work day, and I can’t wait till next month to see him.”
• “Please Sir, permit me to go,” I knelt before him and prayed to get a positive response.
• “You should go.” He left the table, picked up a notepad, and headed outside the living room.
• “Do you give me your permission, Mr. Hayes?” I asked, I had to be sure he meant what I was thinking.
• “Yes, make sure I don’t find you when I return from work, I must not be hungry tonight.”
• “I promise not to take too much time, Sir,” I smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Hayes, I’m grateful.”
• “Get me my suitcase and meet me in the car.”
• “Nathan will take you there and bring you back,” he said as he shut the car door.
• As I headed back to the house, I wondered why Mr. Hayes permitted me to go.
• “Why was he nice all of a sudden?
• I got into my bathroom, had a quick shower, and got dressed, after packing some food and fruits for my dad in the kitchen.
• By the time Nathan got back that morning, I was all set.
• As he drove me to the hospital, I couldn't help but remember how my dad did all sorts of menial jobs to pay my school fees and provide food and shelter for us before his health began to fail. He was so kind and too patient with my mother, who left him after we lost our house in a fire accident. She claimed that he didn’t have the resources to give her the kind of life she deserved.
• I guess she still sleeps around with any man who can pay her handsomely, her tales were all over the place before she left town with a young man old enough to be her son. It’s such a shame she’s my mother, she was never part of my life while I grew up and I never want to be associated with her.
• “Are you okay Ma’am?” Nathan asked, looking at me through the rear mirror.
• “Sure,” I quickly dried the tears on my cheeks and looked towards the window, trying to distract myself from my thoughts.
• Seeing my father made my day, he looked much stronger and healthier compared to the last time I saw him. I couldn’t tell if it was his diet or the medications being administered to him, but I was glad he looked good. He too couldn’t hide his excitement, he grinned at me all through my stay with him at the hospital.
• “My child, I’m so happy to see you, how is married life? How are you enjoying your honeymoon?” he asked squeezing my hand softly.
• “It feels good to be married to one of the wealthiest men in town dad, he treats me well, and we plan to take a trip out of the city soon, but for now he has a lot of work engagements to do.” I too was marvelled at how fast those lies came out of my mouth. Some things are better left unsaid right?
• I loved my dad so much and shared a lot of secrets with him, but this contract was a delicate issue that couldn’t be discussed with anyone. It wouldn’t even do him any good if he knew about it, he would certainly feel bad and indebted, knowing I made that decision because of him.
• “I’m happy to hear that, I knew the rumors about him being rude and wicked weren’t entirely true. I have peace of mind knowing you’re happily married, every other gift we're getting from him is a plus. Say hi to him when you get home, I hope to see him come with you on your next visit.” I nodded, hugged him, and headed towards the ward exit.
• “That’s an impossible mission,” I said to myself knowing who my boss was. What I didn’t know was how long I could continue lying and making excuses for him before my dad.